Tucson, Arizona

Tucson's History

With its mixed cultural heritage and international population, Tucson provides a fitting backdrop for a university. Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences mark a city which celebrates its differences and preserves its traditions. Tucson's traditions span centuries of habitation from prehistoric Indian cultures to recent immigrants from Malaysia.

True to its Old West beginnings, Tucson's history is peopled with visionaries, opportunists and free-thinkers of every stripe. Over the years, the city has flown the flags of three different countries and both sides in the Civil War.

Tucson's first inhabitants roamed the area hunting mammoth and bison between 12,500 and 6,000 B.C. Following them were the Cochise culture, who built pit houses and used stone tools, and the Hohokam, who began farming the valley floor in 300 A.D. For more history click here.

Relocating to Tucson

The cost of living in Tucson is quite reasonable, especially compared to cities on the West and East Coasts. It is estimated that it costs one-third less to live in Tucson than in cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, and less than half of what it costs to live in New York. Tucson costs of living are slightly lower than, but comparable to the cost of living in Austin, San Antonio, and Albuquerque.

The University of Arizona is surrounded by many lovely, affordable neighborhoods and apartment complexes within blocks of the campus. Prices vary seasonally, and are lower in the early summer.

General Information

The core of Tucson's downtown is home to a vast array of cultural and historic districts that feature galleries, museums, and several performance venues.

Tucson is one of the few U.S. cities its size that can boast of a symphony, ballet, opera and several live theater companies. Forty-five miles from the U.S. border with Mexico, Tucson boasts a population of over 750,000 residents whose multicultural and international influences reflect the richness of the Southwest.

From here to there:

• Tucson to Phoenix: 97 miles
• Tucson to Rocky Point: 204 miles
• Tucson to Sunrise Ski Resort: 257 miles
• Tucson to Grand Canyon: 338 miles
• Tucson to San Diego: 409 miles

For more information click here.
Tucson Tour